Los Angeles Angels Hire Kurt Suzuki as New Manager Today

UPDATE: The Los Angeles Angels have officially hired Kurt Suzuki as their new manager, sources confirmed to ESPN earlier today. This urgent move comes as the franchise faces the longest playoff drought in Major League Baseball, having not won a postseason game since 2009.

Suzuki, a former major league catcher with a career spanning 16 years, will take the helm despite lacking professional coaching experience. He previously played for five teams and was part of the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals. Most recently, he served as a special assistant to Angels general manager Perry Minasian for the last three years.

The Angels are seeking a turnaround after finishing the 2025 season with a disappointing 72-90 record—marking their 10th consecutive losing season. This decision follows the departure of former manager Ron Washington, who missed significant time due to undergoing quadruple bypass surgery.

Suzuki’s appointment comes amidst a search that also considered former Angels stars Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter. Though interim manager Ray Montgomery led the team during Washington’s absence, he will not retain the full-time role. Montgomery has been offered a different position within the organization.

The Angels boast a powerful lineup, featuring talented players such as shortstop Zach Neto and outfielders Jo Adell and Taylor Ward, who collectively hit 73 home runs in 2025. However, the pitching staff remains a concern, with only Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano providing stability in a rotation fraught with uncertainty.

Suzuki’s previous experience as a backup catcher with the Angels has earned him high praise for his ability to manage the pitching staff. He now becomes the fifth manager since Mike Scioscia ended a remarkable 19-year tenure in 2018, which included the franchise’s only World Series title in 2002.

Fans have expressed frustration regarding team ownership under Arte Moreno, criticizing decisions that have hindered the franchise’s success. Moreno’s initial interest in hiring Pujols as manager shifted after negotiations broke down, leading to Suzuki’s selection.

As the Angels prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Suzuki’s leadership and strategies to revitalize the team. What happens next could determine the direction of a franchise desperately seeking to end its playoff drought.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Angels take this bold step toward rebuilding their future.